Pre-Owned Class A Motorhomes for Sale Florida

Grandparents, are you new to social media? Or, just not sure how to respond to certain things when using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat? If so, there are a few important social media mistakes you should avoid making when interacting with your grandkids, or anyone online for that matter.

Social Media Mistakes

Sharing potentially embarrassing photos. That bathtub baby picture might be cute to you, but it could embarrass your grandchild once it’s posted online. Always think about what you are posting and who is shown in the photos. When in doubt, it’s never a bad idea to ask your grandchild how they feel about it. Talk to your grandkids and give them veto power over online disclosures, including images, quotes, or accomplishments.

Posting highly personal information that could compromise personal security. Avoid posting photos that include license plates, easily identifiable landmarks, or “check-in” online with your grandkids at places you go regularly. Know how to check and change your security settings. On Facebook, for example, it’s not hard to find information on how to adjust your security settings.

Replying to any disturbing or harassing messages you may see online about your grandchildren or yourself. Cyberbullies want to see people worried or upset. These individuals are mainly just seeking some sort of reaction, so don’t give it to them.

Posting something you would never say offline. The best rule of thumb to follow: if you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online. If you see your grandchild post something that disturbs you, talk to his or her parents instead of responding on social media.

Assuming everyone that you come across online is who he or she may seem to be. Anyone can create a user profile pretending to be someone else — even on social media sites that claim to connect students from the same school.

Maybe you’ve been a little reluctant to learn more about social media because you think it’s a passing fad. Well, that’s hardly the case. According to the website Statista, the number of worldwide social media users reached 1.96 billion in 2016 and is expected to grow to some 2.5 billion by 2018. In addition, social media is a useful way for businesses to stay connected with customers and communities when used the right way. Visit the Easy Escapes RV Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @EasyEscapesRV to see exactly what we’re talking about!

While it’s true that you may not always have access to a kitchen or know exactly where to find the best produce stand, it is possible to eat healthier while traveling. There are plenty of positive changes that you can make now so that you’re not left feeling sluggish and guilt-ridden when you get back into your regular routine.

Pack healthy, non-perishable snacks so that you aren’t tempted to stop for fast food or grab something out of a vending machine. Almonds are a perfect example of a snack that will help you eat healthier while traveling because they contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. You can also pack a few apples, pears or oranges for

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You’ve been hearing people preach this for years, and there’s a good reason for it. Water will help flush your body of toxins, keep your skin fresh, and prevent you from over-eating. It will also help you avoid travel lag and sugar cravings. Everyone in the family should bring along a reusable water bottle on each trip.

Eat complete protein and limit processed carbohydrates. Protein stabilizes blood sugar (preventing energy lags), enhances concentration, and keeps you lean. When you need energy for a long hike or a long drive, it will help to fuel your body with lean protein. Look for recipes for hemp or chia seed bars, and whip up a batch before your trip. While complete proteins are typically animal-based proteins, these are two plant sources that are also considered complete.

Cut out soft drinks and candy. Sugar may give you that initial rush of energy, but it also causes you to crash. Do yourself a favor by skipping the sodas and Twizzlers. If you have a craving for something sweet, go for a natural option such as dried fruit, raisins or figs. Dried figs will help satisfy your craving for something sweet, plus they contain minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc.

Eat more frequent, smaller meals. One easy way to eat healthier while traveling is to eat smaller meals more frequently. Think of your body as a furnace, and think of food as fuel for the fire. The fire (your metabolism) burns much more efficiently if it’s consistently fed small amounts of fuel throughout the day. Saving the majority of your daily calorie intake for one or two meals can slow your metabolism down more than you might think.

There’s a whole lot more to Georgia than peaches, peanuts, and Southern belles. If you are looking for places to enjoy the outdoors with family, you’ll find these Georgia weekend getaway spots hard to beat. The state’s natural landmarks include beautiful beaches, sparkling waterfalls, colorful gardens, winding trails, and majestic mountains that are well worth seeing first-hand.

Lake Allatoona, Red Top Mountain State Park. Located just 45 minutes north of Atlanta, Lake Allatoona covers 12,000 acres and provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, water skiing, and swimming. Red Top Mountain State Park is best known because of Lake Allatoona, but it’s a popular spot with the hiking crowd as well due to the fact that it has 15 miles of trails.

Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain. Whether you want to visit the butterfly habitat, explore a hillside azalea garden, go on a treetop zip lining adventure, or enjoy a day of water sports on Mountain Creek Lake, there are plenty of outdoor weekend activities to keep you busy at Callaway Gardens. Located just 30 minutes north of Columbus, and spanning 6,500 acres, Callaway Gardens was originally founded in 1952 by Cason J. and Virginia Hand Callaway to promote and protect native azalea species.

Little St. Simons Island, Simons Island. Known for its natural beauty, Little St. Simons Island consists of 7 miles of pristine beaches and 11,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness. Since the island is privately owned and accessible only by boat, it’s one of the best Georgia weekend getaway spots to experience the unhurried pace of coastal living.

Lookout Mountain, Lookout Mountain. While Look Mountain isn’t entirely located within the state of Georgia alone (it’s located at the northwest corner of Georgia, the northeast corner of Alabama, and along the Tennessee state line in Chattanooga), it is one of the top weekend spots to visit because of the incredible views of both the Chattanooga Valley and Lookout Valley. In addition, Lookout Mountain has historical significance since it’s the site of the “Battle of Lookout Mountain” that took place during the American Civil War and “Last Battle of the Cherokees” during the Nickajack Expedition in the 18th Century.

Panther Creek Falls, Clarkesville. Just an hour and a half northwest of Atlanta, you can spend a weekend hiking or fishing among a cluster of multi-tiered waterfalls that drop into a pool of clear water below. Panther Creek Falls is located within the Panther Creek Recreation Area at the end of a 3.5-mile moderate walk along Panther Creek. While the trail is primarily noted for its beautiful variety of wildflowers and ferns, the creeks also offer excellent opportunities to catch trout amidst the stunning scenery.

Providence Canyon State Park, Lumpkin. This state park spans over 1,000 acres and contains the impressive Providence Canyon, which is known as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” because the massive gullies resemble the real thing so closely. Hikers and nature photographers can take in views of the canyons from the rim trail, while taking care to stay behind fences and off the canyon edge. To get to Providence Canyon State Park just drive 7 miles west of Lumpkin on Highway 39C.

Now that you know about some of the outdoor weekend experiences that await you, start planning your next road trip. Have you been to any of these Georgia weekend getaway destinations? If so, visit our Easy Escapes Facebook page to tell us which is your favorite!

You get together with friends and family every week in support of your favorite football team. In fact, many of you probably still play homage to some of the legendary coaches and players from decades past. How did many of these leaders achieve success on and off the field? Check out the greatest football quotes of all time to find out!

Greatest Football Quotes

“Football is a great deal like life in that it teaches that work, sacrifice, perseverance, competitive drive, selflessness and respect for authority is the price that each and every one of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” — Vince Lombardi, Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers (1959–1967)

“Try not to do too many things at once. Know what you want, the number one thing today and tomorrow. Persevere and get it done.” — George Allen, Head Coach Los Angeles Rams (1957, 1966-70), Chicago Bears (1958-65), Washington Redskins (1971-77)

“Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.” — George S. Halas, Head Coach Chicago Bears (1933-42, 1946-55, 1958-67)

“I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field.” — Walter Payton, Chicago Bears Running Back (1975 to 1987)

“Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period.” — Lou Holtz, Head Football Coach at The College of William & Mary (1969–1971), North Carolina State University (1972–1975), the University of Arkansas (1977–1983), the University of Minnesota (1984–1985), the University of Notre Dame (1986–1996), and the University of South Carolina (1999–2004)

“In life, as in football, you won’t go far unless you know where the goalposts are.” — Arnold H. Glasow, Former American Humorist

“Positive thinking is the key to success in business, education, pro football, anything that you can mention. I go out there thinking that I’m going to complete every pass.”— Ron Jaworski, NFL Analyst

“To me, football is so much about mental toughness, it’s digging deep, it’s doing whatever you need to do to help a team win and that comes in a lot of shapes and forms.” — Tom Brady, Quarterback for the New England Patriots (2000–present)

“If you want to WIN, do the ordinary things BETTER than anyone else does them day in and day out.” — Chuck Noll, Head Coach Pittsburgh Steelers (1969–1991)

While a shiny new Class B RV may sound fantastic at first, many potential RV owners realize that depreciation will affect your purchase rather quickly. This is why Class B RVs are a great alternative. Buying a pre-owned or used RV can literally save you thousands of dollars versus buying new. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that you do your homework and thoroughly inspect the motorhome before making a purchase.

Class B RV Considerations

While this is not intended to be a comprehensive list, it’s a good place to start when shopping for used or pre-owned Class B RVs.

Has the Class B RV been parked or stored for an extended period of time? If so, it might seem to be an advantage at first since you’ll see a lower odometer reading. However, if an RV is left unused for an extended period of time, mechanical issues can be a concern because the internal components haven’t been operating on a regular basis. On the plus side, there will be less wear and tear on such things as engine, brakes, and transmission. Be sure to consider both parts of the equation.

Where has the RV been stored or parked? Has it been covered or protected? If the RV has been covered in snow or subject to other harsh weather conditions, the exterior may show signs of this. Alternatively, a well-kept Class B RV has most likely been covered and stored on a paved lot. To give you a few examples; check for a faded exterior, sun bleached upholstery, stiff frame, or any signs of rust.

Have you checked the RV frame? The frame should be black. While minor rust discoloration is fairly common, a thick coating of rust or oxidation can be a sign of improper storage.

Check for signs of fluid leakage, particularly between the engine and transmission.

Be sure to test-drive the RV, pay special attention to the brakes and engine. Make sure that the breaks are quiet and responsive. Also, consider the fact that the vehicle will be more difficult to stop when loaded.

Inspect propane tanks, hoses, and regulators. Ask if there are certificates of safety on file for the propane system.

Check the floors, particularly around the sink and in the bathroom, to make sure there aren’t any soft or spongy areas. Damp conditions can lead to the rotting of wood or rusting of metal and may indicate a faulty plumbing system.

Assess the ceiling for signs of mold or water damage. Pay close attention to areas around vents, skylights and windows.

Now that you know about some of the things to look for when considering a pre-owned or used RV, call Easy Escapes RV at 239-302-3789 to find out more about the Class B RVs we have for sale. Alternatively, if you are interested in selling your current RV, call us if we can help you get the best price on consignment.

You always need a few extra holiday gift ideas this time of year, right? It seems that no matter how much you plan and no matter how many places you look, finding the right gifts can be a challenge. Since we’re pretty much surrounded by travel lovers, we put together this handy list of travel-related holiday gift ideas that are fun, practical, and won’t break the bank.

S’well water bottles make ideal gifts for friends and family who are on the go. The double-walled stainless steel design keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. Plus, they are BPA-free, non-leaching and non-toxic. Sarah Kauss, S’well’s Founder, started the company to help rid the world of plastic bottles. With a multitude of colors, designs, and patterns, there’s one on the S’well website that would be perfect for the traveler on your holiday gift list. Price: $35.00

Doesn’t matter where they travel or what they bring along, the Vault can handle it. This backpack’s FlexVent suspension system boasts compression-molded shoulder straps for maximum support and ventilation. For night nomads, the reflective bike-light loop, reflective water bottle tabs and reflective shoulder strap webbing create 360 degrees of reflectivity. Price: $44.99

Packaged in a retro-styled tin that looks like an RV camper, this board game is designed for a wide range of ages and is easy to learn. The whole family can participate by competing in word challenges while on a cross-country road trip adventure. Players can answer fun RoadTrip “challenge” cards to be the first to direct your “family cruiser” station wagon across the map. You can even customize your station wagon with stickers that are included. There are even unpredictable “rest stops” along the way that add to the excitement. Price: $20.37

For the snap-happy traveler who loves taking photos, Mobi-Lenses are one of the best holiday gift ideas because they can convert an iPhone into a wide or macro lens. The Mobi-Lens is simply clamped over the front or rear-facing iPhone camera and adjusted until the image is crystal clear. Up to 65% more of the background is included in shots taken with this wide-angle lens, without having to worry about removing an iPhone case to use it. Price: $19.99

If you know someone that takes extended trips or occasionally needs to launder clothes while on the road, the Eco-Nuts Trial Size Organic Laundry Detergent makes a great stocking stuffer or grab bag gift. When you order, you get a package with a trial pack of Eco Nuts (Soap Nuts), organic liquid detergent and baby laundry powder. The “nuts” that are used for the detergent are actually dried berries from a tree that grows in the Himalayas. When agitated in water, they produce a natural surfactant called saponin, which gently cleanses laundry. Price: $5.00

If you are on the road often, what gifts have you received that have been particularly useful and appreciated? Share your comments on the Easy Escapes RV Facebook page!

As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania offers up its fair share of national landmarks for history buffs while providing nature-lovers with a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you’ve always wanted to see Gettysburg National Battlefield, the site of a major turning point in the Civil War, or hike in the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, one of these Keystone State RV pit stops is sure to suit your interests.

Brandywine Valley

Located in Southern Chester County, the Brandywine Valley is known for its beautiful scenery, top-notch restaurants, winery tours, and a country casual way of life. Stop into the Brandywine River Museum of Art, which is housed in a converted 19th-century grist mill on the banks of the Brandywine in Chadds Ford, or visit the nearby Penn’s Woods Winery to sip a crisp Grüner Veltliner while gazing out at the forest.

Gettysburg National Military Park

Pay homage to the men who fought and lost their lives in the Civil War battle at Gettysburg by making a stop at Gettysburg National Military Park. At The National Park Service Museum, you’ll have the opportunity to view relics of the Battle of Gettysburg and from the personalities who served in the Civil War. Out on the fields, you can witness a living history demonstration to gain a better understanding of the tools, tactics, and firepower that were used during this famous battle between North and South.

Philadelphia

As the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a must-visit for anyone in the country who hasn’t already experienced it. From historical landmarks like The Liberty Bell Center and the National Constitution Center to America’s oldest farmer’s market, the Reading Terminal Market, there is plenty to see. Find an RV parking spot close to a railway station and you’ll have the chance to enjoy all this “walkable” city has to offer.

Pine Creek Gorge

If you want to go on a hike or two, consider making an overnight pit stop at Pine Creek Gorge, also referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Pine Creek Gorge is a 47-mile long gorge that has been carved into the landscape by Pine Creek. Full RV hookup sites can be reserved through Canyon Country Campground, located along the east rim of the gorge. There is a hiking trail that runs directly from the campground to the overlook at Leonard Harrison State Park.

Pittsburgh

Recently named one of the “Best Places to Travel in 2016” by Travel + Leisure, rated the nation’s “No. 1 Food City” by Zagat and named among the “Top Destinations on the Rise” by TripAdvisor, Pittsburgh has a lot more going for it than just steel. Stroll through the art galleries, theaters, and museums or savor a meal cooked by one of the city’s award-winning chefs.

Promised Land State Park

Spanning nearly 3,000 acres, Promised Land State Park is surrounded by Pennsylvania’s Delaware State Forest while being situated on the Pocono Plateau. The park includes six camping areas (with both rustic and full hookup sites) which provide opportunities for fishing, exploring approximately 50 miles of hiking trails, or taking a leisurely walk through the forest.

Now that you know about great places to make a pit stop while on an RV trip in Pennsylvania, don’t forget to visit our Easy Escapes RV Facebook page where you can share photos of your RV adventures.

Ahhh, you can relax and breathe easy again. You’ve just decided to consign your RV because you know the process will go smoothly with a professional RV dealer or consignment company handling the details. Maybe you’ve recently gone through a major life change, such as the purchase of a second home or the loss of a loved one. If this happens to be the case, major life changes can often mean additional stress and anxiety — which is why it’s important to learn how to relax.

How To Relax

According to a Huffington Post article by Sarah Klein, the process of relaxing can boost your memory, lower your risk of stroke, help prevent depression, and has a number of other benefits. Bottom line? Now that you’ve decided to outsource the task of selling your RV, it’s important that you refresh your memory on how to relax. Or, learn how to do it

Meditate

You don’t need to go on an expensive retreat in order to meditate. Just five minutes of inner peace is all it takes to earn the benefits of meditation. Meditation is easy and free. Just find a comfortable spot in a quiet place, focus on your breath, clear your mind, and feel your anxieties fade away.

Yoga

Yoga involves a series of moving and stationary poses, coordinated with deep breathing. Regular yoga sessions don’t only help relieve anxiety and stress though, they can also improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Look for free community yoga classes online or check with a local yoga studio for class dates and times.

Aromatherapy

Put a drop of lavender, rose, ylang ylang, or vetiver essential oil into the palm of your hand and inhale through your nose. These soothing essential oils can help reduce stress and anxiety by stimulating receptors in the nose that connect to the part of the brain that regulates our emotions.

Music

According to a study from the University of Nevada, upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive about life while slower tempo tunes can quiet your mind and relax you, helping you release the stress of the day. Music has been found to be quite effective for relaxation and stress management.

Learning how to relax is important for your overall well-being. Call Easy Escapes RV in Naples, FL at (239) 302-3789, we can help you relax by selling your RV on consignment without you having to worry about handling all of the phone calls or meeting with buyers.

When the time has come for you to sell your RV, you want to make sure that it presents an inviting atmosphere before you take it to an RV consignment company. In other words, be sure to stage your RV in order to attract more buyers. Sometimes making just a few changes to the interior and exterior of your Class A, Class B, or Class C RV can result in a much faster sale. Follow these steps to successfully staging your RV before a sale.

Stage Your RV Using These Tips

Take out any excess clutter. Empty out all closets, storage areas, cupboards, the refrigerator, and remove extra items from shelves or countertops. Eliminating clutter will make your RV seem larger.

Have the interior and exterior of your RV cleaned and detailed until it shines. Wash the windows, curtains and carpeting. Make sure all bed and bath linens are clean and fresh. This is perhaps one of the most important tips when learning how to stage your RV for sale because any sign of dirt or grime can be a turn-off for buyers.

Consider upgrading your storage spaces. Add a rack for keys near the door, an over-the-shower door rack, and incorporate kitchen storage systems — such as a dish cradle or spice organizer. Creating a well-thought-out space will make your RV even more irresistible.

Incorporate a few items to each area to provide visual scale for online buyers and help buyers visualize their own belongings in the RV. Remember to keep any décor or staging items simple and appealing to a wide range of tastes. For example, place a bottle of juice and bowl of apples in the fridge. Hang two or three clean and pressed shirts in the closet.

Stage your RV using flowers, foliage arrangements, or a trio of decorative candles. Do your best to create the relaxing and enjoyable lifestyle that RV buyers are looking for.

Now that you know how to stage your RV for sale, check this list of RV cleaning tips and tricks that can save you time and money before you start the staging process. Easy Escapes RV in Naples, FL can help you sell your RV on consignment once it’s been staged. Call (239) 302-3789 for more information.

You may not need to perform each of the tasks on this winter RV maintenance checklist if you are a permanent Florida resident or if you use your RV year-round. However, if you store your RV for any length of time, you should always check your owner’s manual for storage advice from the manufacturer. In the meantime, this list of RV maintenance tasks will give you an idea about what you might need to do.

RV Maintenance Tasks

Drain your RV’s plumbing system. Even a little water left in pipes, faucets, valves or pumps can freeze and split apart.

Winterize your engine by topping off the fuel tanks to prevent condensation and adding a fuel stabilizer. Fill the radiator with automotive antifreeze.

Shut-off your RV refrigerator and clean the inside thoroughly using a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid. Once the inside is clean, place an opened box of baking soda on one of the shelves to help absorb any lingering odors.

Clean the inside of your oven. Leave your oven door open slightly for air circulation.

Check your electrical systems and battery. You can remove the battery and store it in a safe place at room temperature, or buy a device that keeps the electricity periodically flowing through the battery in order to prevent discharge. Check your breakers, fuses, and outlet voltage to avoid any damage while storing your RV in any extreme weather. Also, remember to turn off and unplug all appliances in your RV.

Wash the exterior of your RV while checking for cracks, leaks, or the peeling of caulking.

Check your tire pressure. Inflate your tires to the proper winter pressure and check weekly. This will ensure that your tires will be safe throughout winter (or your storage period) and ready to go for the next season.

Clean and dry your RV awnings. Be sure they are completely dry before storing your RV for the winter in order to prevent mold and mildew. Lubricate any moving awning parts using a silicon spray. Once you know that the awning is completely dry, roll it up, and place it in the locked position.

Shut all windows and window blinds. Consider leaving one protected window or roof vent open just slightly to provide some airflow through the RV — this can help prevent musty odors or mildew. While closing the windows, check the window seals and any vent openings to see they need to be resealed or re-caulked.

Lubricate all locks with a graphite spray lubricant. Use WD-40 to lubricate any hinges or moving parts.

If you are looking for more helpful RV maintenance information, check out a list of RV maintenance tips that can save you a bundle on unnecessary repairs.

Note: These winterizing/storage tips are general in nature and may differ for the make and model of your RV. Consult your owner’s manual for specifics before starting any winterizing procedure.